On Friday, exactly four years will have passed since an unconscious female students was raped inside a Vanderbilt University dorm room and on Monday the fourth trial in the case which has rocked a university and shattered lives got underway.
Brandon Banks, age 23, has been accused of multiple counts of aggravated rape of the young woman who was a senior at the time.
It was widely believe Banks would take a plea deal before Monday's trial began after seeing his two former teammates Brandon Vandenburg and Cory Batey sentenced to years in prison for their role in the rape.
But his fate now lies in the hands of 12 jurors.
On Monday morning attorneys quickly began with opening statements.
"The proof of this case will invoke your emotions, I can guarantee it, there will be things you don't like," defense attorney Katie Hagen said.
Hagen, who experts say faces an uphill battle before, seemed to acknowledge the graphic video jurors will see of the rape. Video that was recovered by Metro Nashville Police detectives on an iPhone weeks after the crime occurred.
In the video, which has been shown to jurors in three previous trials, Banks can allegedly be seen penetrating the victim with a water bottle. Out of frame someone can be heard saying "squeeze that s---."
"You will see the state she's in, the state of unconsciousness she is in. How limp she is ... you'll see Banks grab her by the ankles and by the wrists and carry her down the hall," prosecutor Jan Norman said.
Testimony will continue on Tuesday where jurors will likely see the graphic video.
Read More:
Trial Set For Ex-Vandy Player In Rape Case
Brandon Vandenburg Sentenced To 17 Years
Batey Gets 15-Year Sentence In Vandy Rape Case
